Obituary of Lynda Rose Keller Matthews

Our beloved wife and mother, Lynda Rose Keller Matthews, 66, of Belvidere, NJ, passed peacefully into eternity on February 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.

The daughter of the late Paul and Florence Keller, Lynda was born on January 15, 1960, and grew up in South Plainfield, NJ, with her older sister, Susan. In 1982, she graduated from Douglass College, Rutgers University, where she met her husband of 41 years, Timothy Matthews. After their marriage they shared many adventures together, traveling across the United States and Canada for the first decade of their marriage.

After graduating with a degree in Medical Technology and fueled by a life-long passion for the beauty of science, Lynda built a strong career in the medical field, eventually becoming a Director of Laboratory Services at Hackettstown Hospital. After the birth of her second child, she chose to retire to raise and homeschool her children. Lynda and Tim managed their family farm (growing hay and raising whitetail deer) and their construction and forestry businesses.

Lynda dedicated all her remaining time to volunteering. She was a volunteer 4-H leader for 20+ years, leading two clubs and coaching multiple teams to state and national competitions. Her passion for working with young people also led her to volunteer at a local youth center, The Vault, in Washington, NJ, and support her local Boy Scout troop for many years. In service as a board member of the local Walter Hoving Home, Lynda showed her love by handmaking hundreds of tote gift bags for many years, each personalized for a specific new woman’s arrival and by hosting large holiday dinners. She was also a regular presence and support at her local church, the Chapel at Warren Valley, where she could often be found in the kitchen at various events making sure to offer Christian hospitality to any in need.

She was known for her tenacity and generosity above all, always the first to volunteer and the last to leave. There was no problem that was too difficult for her to overcome with a creative and heartfelt solution. Lynda did not believe in doing things halfway. If she committed to something, she fulfilled her obligations to the utmost and more. Her sacrificial dedication to loving others will be dearly missed.

Outside of her many volunteer “jobs,” Lynda was known by friends and family for her sharp wit and kindness. There was no situation for which she couldn't craft a clever pun, and she always knew how to make someone laugh. Her kindness made her a surrogate mother for any number of her children's friends during college and after. Lynda loved to help others in any way she could, and she never turned down an opportunity to bring love and encouragement into someone's life. She loved Handel’s Messiah, irises, sitting on the Ocracoke beach, and a good slice of cheesecake.

Above all else, Lynda loved Jesus Christ. She was rarely found without a book in her hand, often about theology, and loved to learn as much as she could about her faith and her Savior. Her faith was equal, quiet and compelling. She never missed an opportunity to redirect attention to Christ. Music was a large part of her life. She could often be found listening to her favorite hymns in any circumstance. Her steadfast commitment to Christ has been a brilliant reflection to her family and friends of God’s love and mercy.

Lynda is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, Timothy Matthews, whom she always insisted was the smartest person she had ever met; her two children, Anna (husband, Dylan) and Aran; her two granddaughters, Audrey and Gwendolyn; and her sister, Susan. Her family is a testament to the great love with which she lived every day. Her absence will be profoundly felt until we meet again in eternity.

A celebration of Lynda’s life will be held at The Chapel at Warren Valley, 384 Rt. 57, Washington, NJ  07882 on February 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM. A visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. A light lunch will follow the memorial service.

While flowers and gardens were dear to Lynda’s heart, she valued her ministries more. Donations in her memory may be made to Care Net Pregnancy Resources of Warren County, or The Walter Hoving Home, both of which had a deep impact on her life.